When someone close to you dies, a lot comes your way. Clearing their home is one of those things, and it is more than a practical job. Every cupboard brings back memories. A clear order of steps helps you keep track and avoid mistakes that cannot be undone later.
Take your time first
You do not have to start in the first week. Except with a rented home with a short notice period, there is usually room to arrange the funeral first and catch your breath. Do quickly clear perishable food out of the fridge, turn the heating down, empty the letterbox and make sure the home is properly locked.
Who is allowed to do what?
Before you throw anything away or share anything out, it must be clear who the heirs are and who is dealing with the estate. That can be an executor named in the will, or the heirs together. A certificate of inheritance (verklaring van erfrecht) from the notary is often needed for this, for example for the bank.
Please note: as an heir you can accept an inheritance, accept it under the benefit of inventory (beneficiair aanvaarden) or refuse it. If you take or sell belongings before you have made a choice, that can be seen as accepting it, including any debts. If you are unsure whether there are debts, get advice from a notary first. You can also find more information on the websites of the Rijksoverheid (Dutch government) and the Juridisch Loket (free legal advice service).
Rented home: give notice on the tenancy
A tenancy agreement does not end automatically when someone dies. The heirs, or whoever is handling the estate, must give notice. Call or email the landlord and ask about the options. Many housing associations use a shorter notice period after a death, but this varies by landlord. Also ask straight away:
- by what date the home must be empty;
- when the pre-inspection and final inspection will take place;
- what needs to be done for the handover, such as removing wallpaper or filling holes.
The handover itself works the same as for any rented home. Read more about it in handing back a rented home.
Owner-occupied home: less rush, but ongoing costs
With an owner-occupied home there is no notice period, but the mortgage, municipal taxes, insurance and energy keep running. Discuss with the bank and the insurer what needs to happen, especially if the home will be empty for a while. If the house is sold, the transfer date determines when it has to be empty.
Search first, then sort
Start by looking for important papers and valuables. Think of:
- the will, insurance policies and bank papers;
- ID, driving licence and cards;
- keys to things like a safe, a car or a storage unit;
- jewellery, money and collections;
- photos, letters and personal documents.
Keep all of this in one fixed place. After that you can divide the rest of the household contents into three streams: keep or share among family, sell or give away, and throw away.
Sharing things out without arguments
Dividing belongings is a sensitive matter. Agree together beforehand how you will do it. A few approaches that work in practice:
- Everyone writes down in advance which items they would like to have.
- Where wishes overlap, take turns choosing, or draw lots.
- Make a list of valuable items with an estimated value, so the division stays fair.
- Write down what you agree, even for small things.
Photograph the rooms before you start. It is nice to have as a memory, and handy if questions come up later.
The clearance itself
Once it is clear what stays and what can go, the physical work begins. Items for family are moved, usable items can go to a charity shop or a good cause, and the rest goes to the recycling centre or is taken away. Do not plan this too tightly: emptying a fully furnished home takes more time than most people think.
If you would rather not do this yourself, or you live far away, GD Verhuisbedrijf can help with house clearance. You discuss in advance what should happen to the belongings, so you stay in control of what is kept.
Frequently asked questions
How quickly must a rented home be empty after a death?
That depends on the notice period the landlord uses. Many housing associations have a shorter period after a death. Ask the landlord straight away for the date by which the home must be empty and handed back.
Can I take belongings before the inheritance is settled?
Be careful with that. Taking or selling belongings can be seen as accepting the inheritance, including any debts. If in doubt, get advice from a notary first.
Who pays the costs of clearing the home?
These costs are usually paid from the estate. If there is little or no money, discuss the best approach with the notary.
